The death toll from suspected alcohol poisoning in some communities in Ondo State has risen to 49, with 170 cases recorded.
Gatekeepers News reports that the incident was first reported on September 5 in Odigbo town and Araromi-Obu in Odigbo Local Government Area after residents reportedly consumed a herbal liquid substance. Some of those affected allegedly became unconscious before dying at different locations.
On September 13, the Ondo State Government banned the sale and distribution of unverified alcoholic drinks and other substances following the deaths of 30 people.
However, speaking with journalists on Wednesday, Banji Ajaka, the state commissioner for health, said the casualty figure had increased, with the incident also reported in Irele LGA.
Ajaka said eight people died in Irele on Tuesday, bringing the death toll to 49. He added that the total number of people affected had risen to about 170, including those who died and those receiving treatment.
The commissioner attributed the suspected alcohol poisoning to the consumption of ethanol by the victims. He said the state government was working to prevent the cases from spreading to other local government areas.
Following the initial deaths, Ondo State Police Command arrested Oloruntoba Babatunde over allegations that he produced the harmful alcoholic substances. The state government is continuing its response to the incident as health officials work to manage the affected cases.
